VATICAN CITY—A significant turnout of tens of thousands witnessed a historical moment in St. Peter’s Square as cardinals convened for the first vote in the papal conclave. Despite the anticipation, thick black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney after approximately three hours, indicating that the 133 cardinals had not yet reached a consensus on the next pope.
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, the cardinals, representing around 70 nations, gathered in Rome. They were sequestered from the outside world, turning in their mobile devices and experiencing jamming of radio signals to maintain the confidentiality of the voting process as they deliberated. The conclave is designed to ensure that a new leader for the Catholic Church emerges, and it will continue voting until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes.
As the conclave commenced with a solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, large screens in front of St. Peter’s Basilica displayed the moments live, captivating the crowd. Many stayed hopeful, cheering when the smoke finally appeared, even though it was not the outcome they had wished for. “It would be lovely to be part of this moment for a new pope,” said Catriona Hawe, a 60-year-old tourist from Ireland, who noted the significance of the occasion despite expressing some dissatisfaction with the pace of change during Francis’s tenure.
The black smoke signaling the inconclusive vote emerged around 9 p.m. local time, a development that aligned with historical expectations. “It’s common for the first ballot to fail; it’s more of a gauge for the cardinals to assess the mood and direction of their peers,” reported a local journalist, emphasizing the typical nature of the first vote in such conclaves.
Pope Francis notably appointed 108 of the 133 cardinal electors, including many from nations like Mongolia and Sweden, who previously lacked representation in the college of cardinals. This decision surpassed the usual cap of 120, injecting an element of unpredictability into the selection process. Many of the cardinals were unfamiliar with one another until recently, raising concerns about how swiftly consensus might be reached.
In the context of a complex global landscape, the institution faces numerous challenges. With no clear frontrunner emerging to succeed Francis, the cardinals are contemplating a broad spectrum of candidates, from Italian Pierbattista Pizzaballa to Hungary’s Peter Erdo. The next pope will need to address a range of pressing issues, including decreasing numbers of clergy, the role of women in the Church, and the organization’s ongoing financial struggles.
As the world observes this critical moment, the next pope will also be tasked with navigating the evolving geopolitical climate and bridging deep divisions within the Church. The conclave’s outcome could significantly shape the future of the 2,000-year-old institution, which has faced mounting challenges, including the fallout from sexual abuse scandals and waning participation in Western congregations.
The cardinals will return to the Sistine Chapel for further ballots in the days ahead, hoping to reach a decisive conclusion in this pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. As history unfolds, observers keenly await news that will determine the identity of the Church’s 267th pope.